Lawmakers: Syrian’s air defense not impenetrable

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two lawmakers say Syria’s air defense system isn’t as strong as once thought and add that Israel’s recent strikes there show the regime is vulnerable.

Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont said Sunday that Syrian President Bashar Assad’s air defense systems were not impenetrable. Israel in recent days has launched airstrikes targeting a shipment of advanced missiles believed to be headed for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

McCain says Syria crossed another “red line” in transferring weapons to U.S. foes. McCain, however, is not advocating U.S. ground forces go into Syria to secure the weapons. Instead, he says, the United States should use its military might from afar.